Double-walled beverage container with a viewing aperture

ABSTRACT

A beverage container comprising a substantially cylindrical outer layer, wherein the outer layer may comprise at least one aperture that may be filled by a transparent window, and a substantially cylindrical inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer may be transparent and configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window. The beverage container may further comprise a base cap and/or a removable top cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a beverage container, and more particularly, the invention relates to a double-walled beverage container with a viewing aperture.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Many variations of beverage containers have been introduced in recent years. These containers have been made from various materials such as stainless steel, plastic, glass, and ceramic. Some beverage containers include ornamental designs and/or indicating elements. Other containers have been designed to be portable, e.g., by the inclusion of a handle and/or lid. In addition, several beverage containers have been designed to keep the liquids held inside either hot or cold.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

An aspect of the invention is a beverage container comprising a substantially cylindrical outer layer, wherein the outer layer may comprise at least one aperture that may be filled by a transparent window, and a substantially cylindrical inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer may be transparent and configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window.

With respect to the substantially cylindrical outer layer, in one embodiment, the outer layer may be made of plastic. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the outer layer may be made of glass, aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitable material(s).

Referring to the substantially cylindrical inner layer, in some embodiments, the inner layer may be made of plastic. Representative plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the inner layer may be made of glass, aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitable material(s). In still other embodiments, the inner layer may comprise at least one projection on the outside of the inner layer that may be configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window.

Referring to the transparent window, in one embodiment, the transparent window may be made of plastic. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the transparent window may be made of glass.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extends beyond the upper edge of the outer layer. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer may be configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer, e.g., at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer may comprise a cylindrical peripheral lip configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer.

In one embodiment, the beverage container further comprises a base cap. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer may extend beyond the base edge of the outer layer. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer or the outer layer may comprise threads that allow for the base cap and either the inner layer or the outer layer to be joined so as to form a seal between the base cap and the outer layer. In other embodiments, the base cap may comprise threads that allow for the base cap and either the inner layer or the outer layer to be joined so as to form a seal between the base cap and the outer layer. In still other embodiments, the base cap may snap onto the bottom of either the inner layer or the outer layer.

In one embodiment, the beverage container may further comprise a removable top cover. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer may comprise threads that allow for the removable top cover and the inner layer to be joined. In another embodiment, the removable top cover may have threads that allow for the top cover and the inner layer to be joined. In still another embodiment, the removable top cover may snap onto the upper portion of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the removable top cover may include a dispensing aperture and a ventilation aperture. In other embodiments, the removable top cover may include a mechanism that opens and closes the opening to the dispensing aperture.

In some embodiments, an ornamental design may be applied to both or either the inner layer and the outer layer. In other embodiments, the beverage container may comprise a gripping portion that allows an individual to grab and hold onto the beverage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described herein with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative, and in no way limit the invention to what is shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the beverage container with a removable top cover.

FIG. 2 is a view of the outer layer of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of the inner layer of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the assembly of the base cap, inner layer, outer layer and the removable top cover of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of the removable top cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of an embodiment of the removable top cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of the removable top cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of another embodiment of the removable top cover shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, the beverage container 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, comprises a substantially cylindrical outer layer 10 and a substantially cylindrical inner layer 30. The outer layer may comprise at least one aperture 20 that may be filled by a transparent window 21. At least a portion of the inner layer may be transparent 31 and may be configured to interlock the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 10 via the transparent window 21.

With respect to the substantially cylindrical outer layer 10, in one embodiment, the outer layer 10 may be made of plastic. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the outer layer 10 may be made of glass, aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitable material(s). In addition, the outer layer may 10 comprise at least one aperture 20. The aperture(s) 20 may be positioned in various locations in the outer layer 10. Moreover, the size and shape of the aperture(s) 20 may vary. For example, as shown in the Figures, the aperture 20 may be in the shape of an elongated slit extending vertically down a side of the outer layer 10.

Referring to the transparent window 21, in one embodiment, the transparent window 21 may be made of plastic. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the transparent window 21 may be made of glass. The transparent window 21 may also vary in size and shape. However, at least a portion of the transparent window 21 should correspond in size and shape to the aperture 20 in the outer layer 10. For example, the transparent window 21 may be in the shape of an elongated rod that extends the same length vertically and same width horizontally as the aperture 20 in the outer layer 10. If desired, the transparent window 21 may be attached to the inside of the outer layer 10 using a suitable adhesive, e.g., glue.

With respect to the substantially cylindrical inner layer 30, in some embodiments, the inner layer 30 may be made of plastic. Representative plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the inner layer 30 may be made of glass, aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitable material(s). Whatever material is used, at least a portion of the inner layer 31 may be transparent. The portion of the inner layer that is transparent 31 may vary in shape and size. For example, as shown in the Figures, the portion of the inner layer that is transparent may be in the shape of an elongated bar extending vertically down a side of the inner layer 30. Alternatively, the entire inner layer 30 may be transparent.

In addition, the inner layer 30 may be configured to interlock the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 10 via the transparent window 21. Such a configuration may be achieved in various ways. For example, the inner layer 30 may comprise at least one projection 32 on the outside of the inner layer 30 that may be configured to interlock the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 10 via the transparent window 21 when the beverage container 1 is fully assembled. The configuration of the projection 32 may also vary. For example, the projection 32 may be in a shape similar to that of the transparent window 21 so that the projection 32 fits securely around the outer perimeter of the transparent window 21 when the beverage container 1 is fully assembled. The size and shape of the projection(s) 32 may vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the projection 32 may shaped like an elongated U.

When the beverage container 1 is being assembled, the transparent window 21 may be aligned with a transparent portion 31 of the inner layer 30. This allows for the amount of liquid inside the beverage container to be easily observed from the outside. If the beverage container also comprises a top cover, the top cover may not have to be removed to determine the quantity of liquid in the beverage container. In addition, by not having to remove the top cover, the spilling and splashing of the liquid contained in the beverage container may be minimized.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer 33 extends beyond the upper edge of the outer layer 11. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer may be configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer 11. Such a configuration may be achieved in various ways. For example, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer 33 may comprise a substantially cylindrical peripheral lip 34 configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer 11. The substantially cylindrical peripheral lip 34 may also be configured in various ways. For instance, the substantially cylindrical peripheral lip 34 may extend out from the inner layer 30 so that the peripheral lip 34 rests on the top of the upper edge of the outer layer 11 when the beverage container 1 is fully assembled.

In one embodiment, the beverage container 1 may further comprise a base cap 40. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer 35 may extend beyond the base edge of the outer layer 12. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer, including the portion that extends beyond the base edge of the outer layer 35, or the outer layer may comprise threads 36 that allow for the base cap 40 and either the inner layer 30 or the outer layer 10 to be joined so as to form a seal between the base cap 40 and the outer layer 10. In other embodiments, the base cap 40 may comprise threads 41 that allow for the base cap 40 and either the inner layer 30 or the outer layer 10 to be joined so as to form a seal between the base cap 40 and the outer layer 10. In still other embodiments, the base cap 40 may snap onto the bottom of either the inner layer 30 or the outer layer 10. To ensure a good seal between the base cap 40 and the outer layer 10, the base cap 40 may include an O-ring. When the beverage container 1 is fully assembled, the O-ring may be positioned between the outer layer 10 and the base cap 40. The base cap 40 may be comprised of any suitable material(s), e.g., plastic. Moreover, the color of the base cap 40 may vary.

In one embodiment, the beverage container 1 may further comprise a removable top cover 50. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the top of the inner layer 33 may comprise threads 37 that allow for the removable top cover 50 and the inner layer 30 to be joined. In another embodiment, the removable cover 50 may have threads 51 that allow for the removable top cover 50 and the inner layer 30 to be joined. In still another embodiment, the removable top cover 50 may snap onto the upper portion of the inner layer 30.

To enable an individual to drink from the covered beverage container, the removable top cover may include a dispensing aperture 52 and a ventilation aperture 53. The removable top cover 50 may also comprise a mechanism that opens and closes the dispensing aperture 52. There are various mechanisms that may be utilized. One example is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein the mechanism may comprise two pieces, an upper piece 54 and a lower piece 55 which are located on the top and bottom of the removable top cover 50, respectively. To open and close the dispensing aperture 52, the upper piece 54 is manually moved towards or away from the dispensing aperture 52. The lower piece 55 moves with the upper piece 54 and includes a portion 56 that slides to either open or close the dispensing aperture 52. The aforementioned features may make the beverage container more suitable for carrying around and help prevent the spilling of the liquids inside the beverage container. Like the base cap 40, the removable top cover 50 may be comprised of any suitable material(s), e.g., plastic. Moreover, as with the base cap 40, the color of the removable top cover 50 may vary. The ability to vary the color of the base cap 40 and/or the removable top cover 50 may make the beverage container more aesthetically pleasing and/or allow for the matching of the color scheme of the beverage container to a business' logo.

In some embodiments, an ornamental design may be applied to either or both the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 10. The design may be applied using any suitable technique, e.g., silk-screening. Furthermore, the design may be comprised of one or more portions. Suitable ornamental designs include business logos, pictures, phrases and drawings.

In other embodiments, the beverage container 1 may further comprise a grip structure. Various grip structures may be utilized. One example is a plastic or leather piece attached to the outside of the outer layer 10. By attaching a plastic or leather piece to the outside of the outer layer 10, an individual may be able to more easily the grab and hold the beverage container. Suitable plastics include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. The position, size, shape and color of the piece(s) may vary. In addition, the piece(s) may be adhered to the outside of the outer layer 10 using a suitable adhesive, e.g., glue. Alternatively, the outer layer 10 itself may be manufactured to include a raised ridge that would function as a grip structure. The grip structure may also be a handle attached to the beverage container.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The invention illustratively described herein suitably can be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions indicates the exclusion of equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by certain inventive embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be falling within the scope of the embodiments of the invention. 

1. A beverage container, comprising: a substantially cylindrical outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises at least one aperture filled by a transparent window; and a substantially cylindrical inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer is transparent and is configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window.
 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is made of plastic.
 3. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof.
 4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and ceramic.
 5. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is made of plastic.
 6. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof.
 7. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of glass, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and ceramic.
 8. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises at least one projection on the outside of the inner layer configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window.
 9. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the transparent window is made of plastic.
 10. The beverage container of claim 9, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures thereof.
 11. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the transparent window is made of glass.
 12. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extends beyond the upper edge of the outer layer.
 13. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer is configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer.
 14. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein at least of portion of the top of the inner layer extending beyond the upper edge of the outer layer comprises a substantially cylindrical peripheral lip configured to engage the upper edge of the outer layer.
 15. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer extends beyond the base edge of the outer layer.
 16. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a base cap.
 17. The beverage container of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the bottom of the inner layer or the outer layer comprises threads that allow for the base cap and either the inner layer or the outer layer to be joined so as to form a seal between the base cap and the outer layer.
 18. The beverage container of claim 17, wherein the base cap snaps onto the bottom of either the inner layer or the outer layer.
 19. The beverage container of claim 17, wherein the base cap comprises threads that allow for the base cap to be joined to either the inner layer or the outer layer so as to form a seal between the base cap and the outer layer.
 20. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a removable top cover.
 21. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the top of the inner layer comprises threads that allow for the removable top cover and the inner layer to be joined.
 22. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein the removable top cover has threads that allow for the removable top cover and the inner layer to be joined.
 23. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein the removable top cover snaps onto the upper portion of the inner layer.
 24. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein the removable top cover has a dispensing aperture and a ventilation aperture.
 25. The beverage container of claim 24, wherein the removable top cover has a mechanism that opens and closes the dispensing aperture.
 26. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising an ornamental design applied to either or both the inner layer and the outer layer.
 27. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a gripping portion that allows an individual to more easily grab and hold the beverage container.
 28. A beverage container, comprising: a substantially cylindrical outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises at least one aperture filled by a transparent window; a substantially cylindrical inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer is transparent and configured to interlock the inner layer and the outer layer via the transparent window; a base cap; and a removable top cover. 